The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare approved a measure Wednesday building a cost participation schedule for a program providing therapy services to developmentally disabled toddlers and infants under the age of 3.

House Bill 375 by Rep. Frank Hoffmann, R-West Monroe, would require families with an annual income of more than 300 percent of the federal poverty level to pay for the Louisiana Early Steps services on a sliding scale that's based on their income. Hoffmann has said in committee their payments would increase as their income does.

A family of four with an annual income under $70,000 a year would continue to receive the services for free. The bill was amended to raise the income level from 250 percent of the poverty line to 300 percent to "make it more palatable" Hoffmann said.

The program, which provides amenities ranging from physical therapy to sign language services, was almost cut from Gov. Bobby Jindal's budget last year.

The bill raising the fees failed to acquire the necessary two-thirds vote needed to get it out of the House the first time it was debated on the floor. After the income level was raised the House backed it 98-2.

Some aspects of the program would still be available for free, such as intake and referral, coordination of services and developing plans of care. The program serves around 9,000 children.

"I'm very supportive of the program...the testimony is just amazing the successes that you've had. It's one of the best programs I think this state has," said Sen. Brett Allain, R-Franklin.

An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated families with an annual income of less than 300 percent or with an annual income of $70,000 would continue to receive Early Steps services for free. The article has been changed to reflect this correction.